High Schools
Best Buddies High Schools pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students. Without friends and family, we are alone. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By becoming a High School Peer Buddy, volunteers offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life and feel included in the high school environment.

By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, we are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.

The mission of Best Buddies High Schools is to provide an opportunity for high school students to be matched in a one-to-one friendship with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. By becoming a high school peer buddy, you will not only befriend someone with an intellectual disability, but you will also learn about yourself in the process.

High School chapters are active in over 830 schools worldwide. Each chapter is a registered student organization within their school and is led by a chapter president.

The Chapter President is a student that is matched in a friendship and is willing to organize, lead and maintain a chartered chapter of Best Buddies for the duration of one academic year.

Download the application:
[ High School Chapter President ]

Best Buddies Citizen, High School, and College programs are evaluated each spring by the Hardman Survey.  Dr. Michael Hardman, Dean of Special Education from the University of Utah, surveys Best Buddies participants throughout the country every year.

[ Download the High Schools evaluation from the Hardman Survey]

Find a Program in Your Area